Chicago Man Charged in Hour-Long Crime Spree

Suspect allegedly robbed and burglarized multiple businesses across the city

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 20-year-old Chicago man named Brian Pride has been charged with three counts of armed robbery and two counts of burglary for a crime spree that targeted at least four businesses in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and West Town over the course of an hour on January 3. Police used surveillance footage to track Pride and at least one accomplice as they allegedly robbed a Burger King employee, held up a Dunkin' Donuts, and broke into a 7-Eleven and a Circle K, stealing cash, tobacco products, and other items.

Why it matters

The string of robberies and burglaries in a short timeframe prompted a community alert from the Chicago Police Department, highlighting the ongoing public safety concerns in the city. Pride's criminal history, which includes a previous carjacking conviction, also raises questions about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

The details

According to prosecutors, the crime spree began at 4:58 a.m. when Pride allegedly robbed a 35-year-old female Burger King employee of her wallet and AirPods in the parking lot. At 5:46 a.m., the crew targeted a Dunkin' Donuts, where an accomplice allegedly held a gun on an employee while Pride went behind the counter and took a cash register drawer and two cakes. Police say Pride and his accomplice then used a hammer to break into a 7-Eleven at 5:52 a.m. and a Circle K at 6:02 a.m., stealing money and tobacco products as employees fled the scenes. Detectives were able to track the suspects using city surveillance cameras and a stolen vehicle they were traveling in.

  • The crime spree began at 4:58 a.m. on January 3, 2026.
  • The Dunkin' Donuts robbery occurred at 5:46 a.m.
  • The 7-Eleven burglary took place at 5:52 a.m.
  • The Circle K burglary happened at 6:02 a.m.

The players

Brian Pride

A 20-year-old Chicago man charged with three counts of armed robbery and two counts of burglary for the January 3 crime spree.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency that issued a community alert about the crimes and used surveillance footage to track down and arrest the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Judge Deidre Dyer ordered Pride detained pending trial. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Pride out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing public safety concerns in Chicago, as well as the challenges the criminal justice system faces in dealing with repeat offenders like Pride, who had previously served a four-year sentence for carjacking.